In 2026, at Rs 3.17 lakh (ex-showroom), is it still worth it?
Kawasaki has launched the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 300 in India. This update is part of Kawasaki's effort to keep its entry-level sportbike offering relevant for 2026. The new model receives fresh colour schemes while continuing with the same proven mechanical package.
How Much Does It Cost?
The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 300 is priced at Rs 3,17,000 (ex-showroom). The price remains unchanged after it went down post GST 2.0 implementation.
The 2026 Ninja 300 is available in two colour options: Lime Green and Candy Lime Green, both of which stay true to Kawasaki's traditional paint schemes.
Colours To Look Out For
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What Is It?
An entry-level twin-cylinder sport motorcycle from Kawasaki
Designed to offer a balance of everyday usability and sporty performance
Gets subtle visual updates for 2026
Continues to target riders upgrading from smaller capacity motorcycles
The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 300 retains a similar design language as it did when it was launched 13 years ago.
Numbers That Matter
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Engine Talk — Tried and Tested
The 2026 Ninja 300 continues with its well-known parallel-twin motor, which has been a strong point of the motorcycle since its launch. It remains refined, smooth, and versatile enough for daily commuting as well as spirited weekend rides.
Specifications | |
Engine | 296cc, liquid-cooled, parallel twin |
Power | 39PS at 11,000rpm |
Torque | 26.1Nm at 10,000rpm |
Gearbox | 6-speed with assist and slipper clutch |
What You Should Know
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Details You Shouldn't Miss — Braking, Wheels and Suspension
Gets a 290mm front petal disc and 220mm rear petal disc with ABS
Has a telescopic fork and monoshock
Gets MRF tyres, which should last long, but may not be as grippy as other sporty tyres
Received a larger windscreen for better wind protection in the last update
Gets dual-LED projector headlights, same as last year's model
Continues with the same semi-digital instrument console and does not support smartphone connectivity
What's Worth Noting
Apart from the new colour options, the 2026 Ninja 300 doesn't bring anything truly new to the table. Most of the updates it carries were already introduced last year, and visually, the design has remained more or less unchanged for over a decade now. As a result, the Ninja 300's styling is beginning to show its age, especially when compared to newer rivals. Another letdown is the use of MRF tyres, which, in our opinion, don't quite match the bike's performance potential or its premium asking price. At this level, the Ninja 300 deserves stickier rubber that can better complement its capable chassis and engine.
Our Take — Who Should Consider It?
Despite the price correction following GST 2.0, the Kawasaki Ninja 300 is still a difficult motorcycle to recommend outright. This is largely because bikes like the TVS Apache RR 310 exist, offering similar real-world performance, significantly more features and better hardware, all at a lower price point. The value gap is hard to ignore.
That said, if your heart is set on a parallel-twin supersport, the Ninja 300 continues to hold relevance. With the Yamaha R3 not being widely available across the country, the Ninja 300 remains one of the very few accessible Japanese twin-cylinder sportbikes in India. While it may no longer feel cutting-edge, its smooth twin-cylinder engine and proven reliability still make it a compelling, if niche, choice for those looking for a reliable, no-nonsense faired Japanese bike.
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